Threaten

/ˈθrɛtən/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To declare one's intention to inflict harm or suffering on someone.

He threatened to call the police if the noise didn't stop.

To be a source of danger to something.

The storm clouds threaten to ruin our picnic plans.

To indicate or imply a potential negative outcome.

The economic crisis threatens to increase unemployment rates.

To express an intention to take revenge or punish someone.

She began to threaten her rivals in the competition.

Middle English threten, from Old English þreatian.

threaten someone with

To use the possibility of punishment to force someone to act.

threatening behavior

Actions that imply potential harm to others.

idle threat

A threat that someone does not intend to carry out.

threat

A statement or indication of an intention to inflict harm.

menace

A person or thing likely to cause harm.

intimidate

To frighten or overawe.

To strongly suggest repercussions.

He was all talk; he couldn’t really threaten anyone.

To bluff or exaggerate about consequences.

She threatened them with a lawsuit, but it was just a threat.